Tips to Keep Your Home Safe for the Holidays
The holidays should be a time for family and friends, eggnog and gingerbread houses. So is making your home or HOA club house festive for the season. Keep these holiday safety tips in mind, especially when you have a live tree, use candles, light a fireplace or use traditional Christmas lights.
Christmas Trees
In the past five years, the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) reports that US fire departments responded to an annual average of 155 home structure fires caused by Christmas trees. Fresh Christmas trees dry out over time making them very flammable; fires involving dry Christmas trees are likely to be highly risky and dangerous. The NFPA shows how quickly a Christmas tree can burn.
- When choosing a natural tree, test its freshness by running your hand along a branch. If more than a few needles end up in your hand, the tree may already be drying out.
- Gently bend a few needles; if the tree is fresh, the needles shouldn’t break.
- Check the bottom of the tree; if resin is sticky and present, it’s a good sign.
- Cut the tree about 2 inches above the base before you place it in your stand; this allows the tree to get water more easily. Water the tree daily.
- Set your tree at least 3 feet away from any heat source, such as a fireplace, candles, heater or radiator. Make sure it’s not blocking an exit.
- Choose lights that are designed for indoor or outdoor use; make sure the bulbs and their connections are in good order.
- About 36% of U.S. home fires involving Christmas trees happen in January. After Christmas, remove your tree, especially if it’s dry. Most communities have mulching or a recycling program for your tree.
Candles
Candles set a cozy ambiance, especially with a festive tree and holiday decorations. About 11% of home Christmas tree fires were started by candles, according to the NFPA. When using candles, use these same safety principles.
- Keep candles away from flammable items such as curtains, stockings or other decorations.
- Set candles on a level surface and preferably in a candle holder.
- Keep them away from places children and pets can knock them over.
- EXTINGUISH candles before leaving your home or going to bed – do not leave burning candles unattended.
Lighting
The NFPA reports that lighting and electrical equipment have been found to cause most Christmas tree fires. About 20% of Christmas tree fires were started by lamps or bulbs.
- Use appropriate lights – use outdoor lights outside and indoor lights indoors.
- Check lighting cords carefully and dispose of any frayed or damaged Christmas lights.
- Check the light bulbs and sockets themselves. Dispose of any strings of lights with cracked bulb sockets or loose connections; replace broken bulbs.
- Turn off Christmas lights before you go to bed so there’s no risk of a short while you’re asleep.
- Give all of the electrical cords enough room; you may need to invest in a power strip to accommodate extra Christmas needs.
Holiday Cooking
Entertaining and cooking for family and friends is always a part of the holidays. While you’re enjoying time with guests, keep a watchful eye on your stovetop, grill or fryer. Check food regularly and timers are helpful to let you know when the cook is done.
Should you a grease fire flare up, don’t panic. Do these things instead:
- Immediately turn off the heat or flame.
- Cover the pan with a lid; remove only when the pan has completely cooled.
- Baking SODA helps extinguish shallow grease fires. Do not use flour or baking powder.
- DO NOT try to use water to put out a grease fire.
- Don’t turn on fans; overhead fans may spread the fire.
Having a fire extinguisher close to your grill or in your kitchen is ideal for fire safety. The NFPA has an easy way to remember how to use a fire extinguisher: P-A-S-S.
P – Pull the pin, hold the nozzle pointing away from you.
A – Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
S – Squeeze the extinguisher lever with slow and even pressure. (Be prepared for a quick flare when the fire retardant meets the flame).
S – Sweep the nozzle from side to side, while moving slowly toward the fire and continuing to aim at the base of the fire.
Fire Safety Plan
Make sure to test your smoke detectors regularly. Should a fire happen and become an emergency, having that warning time and a fire safety plan can save lives and property. The NFPA provides information nd walks you through home fire safety planning tips, escape planning tips and more.
Although you might be in a rush to get to a gathering or go holiday shopping, it’s important to remember these safety measures during the holidays. Remember to keep trees watered and blow out any lit candle before going to sleep or leaving your home. Ensure you don’t have a holiday hazard on your hands and keep your family and home safe!
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